May Hepatitis Newsletters
Each month this blog provides a link to Hepatitis Newsletters published
by advocacy groups devoted to increasing awareness and providing information about viral hepatitis, with a focus on HCV.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month folks, so why not tap into your inner advocate and share what you know about viral hepatitis. An easy way to get involved is by joining this great "eCard" campaign put together by the American Liver Foundation (ALF).
The American Liver Foundation is asking us to spread the word by sending a personalize "eCard" to family, friends, and co-workers, inviting them to learn more about viral hepatitis.
Won't you please help and at least send one card
If every reader sends an "eCard" today, we can reach thousands of people, if those people join in, we double the numbers, and so on, and so on..........
Start a movement, tell a friend - May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month
The American Liver Foundation is asking us to spread the word by sending a personalize "eCard" to family, friends, and co-workers, inviting them to learn more about viral hepatitis.
Won't you please help and at least send one card
If every reader sends an "eCard" today, we can reach thousands of people, if those people join in, we double the numbers, and so on, and so on..........
Start a movement, tell a friend - May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month
Awareness begins here.
Our very own Lucinda K. Porter wrote an inspirational article on the importance of spreading awareness, please read her heartfelt piece published this month in HCV Advocate's May Newsletter.
Information on various activities taking place across the U.S. at the federal, state, and local level, can be found here.
Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis; most of them do not know they are infected.
Information on various activities taking place across the U.S. at the federal, state, and local level, can be found here.
Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis; most of them do not know they are infected.
May 19, 2014 is the third national Hepatitis Testing Day. It is a day
for people at risk
to be tested, and for health care providers to educate patients
about chronic viral
hepatitis and testing. Search for Hepatitis Testing Day events taking place in your area here, organizers can also register their upcoming events
Dr. Ira Jacobson On Groundbreaking Developments in Treatment of Hepatitis C
Just in time for Hepatitis Awareness Month, Dr. Ira Jacobson discusses FDA approved hepatitis C therapies currently in clinical practice and new agents soon to be approved:
Dr. Ira Jacobson On Groundbreaking Developments in Treatment of Hepatitis C
Just in time for Hepatitis Awareness Month, Dr. Ira Jacobson discusses FDA approved hepatitis C therapies currently in clinical practice and new agents soon to be approved:
"In the fall of 2014 a huge paradigm shift is going to occur with the approval of what we believe based on studies in thousands of patients of very effective oral combinations of drugs that according to recently released data associated with cure rates at 95 percent and up for our genotype 1 patients."
"Its my firm belief that we're rapidly arriving at a time when the issue whether to treat patients with hepatitis c will be replaced by the question of lets get on with it - and give you that 95% plus chance of cure."
Editorial
The New England Journal Of Medicine - Therapy of Hepatitis C — Back to the Future
Healthy Liver - Healthy Digestion
A focus on digestion and a somewhat familiar disorder called Functional Dyspepsia (FD).The medical term simply means - bad digestion, the symptoms vary but are frequently described as a full or bloated feeling after eating. Today, Dr. Olafur S. Palsson offered commentary on the results of a statistical analyses estimating how common functional dyspepsia (FD) is in American adults, presented at this months DDW meeting.
DDW-Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin in HCV Genotypes 2 and 3
DDW - ABT-450/r–Ombitasvir and Dasabuvir with or without Ribavirin for HCV
View All DDW Updates On This Blog
Updated May 17
Hello folks, since we posted our index of May Newsletters a few new publications have been published, in addition you may be interested in reading a new article written by Lucinda K. Porter; Mothers and Grandmothers.
HepCBC’s MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The New England Journal Of Medicine - Therapy of Hepatitis C — Back to the Future
Healthy Liver - Healthy Digestion
A focus on digestion and a somewhat familiar disorder called Functional Dyspepsia (FD).The medical term simply means - bad digestion, the symptoms vary but are frequently described as a full or bloated feeling after eating. Today, Dr. Olafur S. Palsson offered commentary on the results of a statistical analyses estimating how common functional dyspepsia (FD) is in American adults, presented at this months DDW meeting.
DDW-Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin in HCV Genotypes 2 and 3
DDW - ABT-450/r–Ombitasvir and Dasabuvir with or without Ribavirin for HCV
View All DDW Updates On This Blog
Newsletter Updates
Updated May 17
Hello folks, since we posted our index of May Newsletters a few new publications have been published, in addition you may be interested in reading a new article written by Lucinda K. Porter; Mothers and Grandmothers.
Liver Lowdown is the monthly general interest e-newsletter of the American Liver Foundation.
In This Issue
FEATURE: HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
FEATURE: HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the American Liver Foundation
urges Americans at risk to be tested. Here is what you need to know
about the most common types of hepatitis to determine your risk level.
READ MORE
READ MORE
PATIENT PROFILE
With the new medications for hepatitis C available,
even people who had been living with the virus for decades are
experiencing cures. Here is one Vietnam veteran's inspiring story.
HAPPENINGS
There is a lot going on at the American Liver Foundation and we invite
you to join us in our many events. With our Liver Life Walks, Flavors,
transplant reunions and webinars, there is a lot to be a part of. Here
is what we have been up to during the last few weeks.
IN THE NEWS
The American Liver Foundation is making national news on topics
including liver wellness, disease prevention, screening and treatment.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Looking for a delicious recipe to try tonight? We have one for you! Have a recipe to share? We would love to hear from you.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ALF hosts a number of events throughout the year to support liver
disease awareness. Check our events calendar and find one to participate
in.
Check Us Out On Twitter and Facebook
.
HepCBC’s MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The
hepc.bull, has been “Canada’s hepatitis C journal” since the late
1990′s and has been published nonstop since 2001. The monthly newsletter
contains the latest research results, government policy changes,
activities and campaigns you can get involved in, articles by patients
and caregivers, and a list of support groups plus other useful links.
In This Issue:
HepCBC Roadshow
Marathon News
Treatment / Trials
EASL 2014 Highlights
Fire in the Blood (Film)
Stay Connected
The
New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service
providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues.
The groups come together to learn, share information and resources,
network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community.
Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by
the community.
NYC Viral Hepatitis Monthly E-Newsletter
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Policy Watch & Action Alerts
The Emerging Hep C Epidemic in Youth
See collected information, presentations and resources on Hep C in Youth, here
Hepatitis C: The cost for cure can be high. See available medication Patient Assistance Programs (Private & Pharma).
Subscribe to this Newsletter
Join Us
The Hepatitis C Trust is the national UK charity for hepatitis C. It was
founded and is now led and run by people with personal experience of
hepatitis C and almost all of our Board, staff and volunteers either
have hepatitis C or have had it and cleared it after treatment.
Spring 2014
IN THIS ISSUE...
25 years of hepatitis C... how long before it’s eradicated?
The Hepatitis C Trust Helpline celebrates a decade of supporting people with hep C
Treatment for prisoners through primary care
Connect With Hepatitis C Trust
GI
& Hepatology News is the official newspaper of the AGA Institute
and provides the gastroenterologist with timely and relevant news and
commentary about clinical developments and about the impact of
health-care policy. The newspaper is led by an internationally renowned
board of editors.
View Current Issue (Vol. 8 No. 5 May 2014):
PDF | Interactive Issue
In This Issue
Combo pill cures HCV in 8–12 weeks
A single daily pill containing two novel antiviral agents produced sustained virologic response rates of more than 90% in as little as 8–12 weeks in three multicenter, open-label phase III studies involving 1,952 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
Simeprevir and sofosbuvir combo offers high SVR rates
Cure rates of 93%–100% were achieved in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 treated with both simeprevir and sofosbuvir despite the presence of advanced cirrhosis in a phase IIa trial.
VIDEO: Oral drugs tackle hepatitis C genotypes 2, 3
Sofosbuvir-ribavirin treats hepatitis C virus genotypes 2, 3
Stay connected
View Current Issue (Vol. 8 No. 5 May 2014):
PDF | Interactive Issue
In This Issue
Combo pill cures HCV in 8–12 weeks
A single daily pill containing two novel antiviral agents produced sustained virologic response rates of more than 90% in as little as 8–12 weeks in three multicenter, open-label phase III studies involving 1,952 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
Simeprevir and sofosbuvir combo offers high SVR rates
Cure rates of 93%–100% were achieved in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 treated with both simeprevir and sofosbuvir despite the presence of advanced cirrhosis in a phase IIa trial.
VIDEO: Oral drugs tackle hepatitis C genotypes 2, 3
Sofosbuvir-ribavirin treats hepatitis C virus genotypes 2, 3
Stay connected
Hep C Connections - Website
Our mission is to educate the general public about hepatitis C and to provide resources and support for those affected by the virus. Hep C Connection offers a helpline to answer your questions regarding hepatitis C (HCV). You can expect respect, patience & understanding, in clear, jargon-free language from our staff & volunteers. Call 1-800-522-HEPC (4372) today!
May Newsletter
In This Issue
We exhibited at seven 9Health Fairs in April and will be at five additional fairs during May and June. Three of the upcoming fairs will offer hepatitis C testing. We'll be there to answer any questions that attendees have about hepatitis. You can register for a 9Health Fair here.
The 9Health Fair hours are from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.
To find clinical trials in your city, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov or call us at 1-800-522-HEPC and we can walk you through the website.
If you are in the metro-Denver area,
South Denver Gastroenterology, PC is currently enrolling patients for:
A phase 3 trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 12 week regimen of simeprevir in combination with sofosbuvir in patients that have or have never gone through treatment, with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, and that have cirrhosis.
A phase 3 trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 12 or 8 week treatment regimen of simeprevir in combination with sofosbuvir in patients that have or have never gone through treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection.
A phase 3 trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of the combination
regimen of MK-5172 and MK-8742 in patients with HCV genotype 1, 4, 5, or 6 infection who have failed prior treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
They are also recruiting patients with cirrhosis, any genotype and patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Please call Sherry Rogers at 303-406-4139 or Kelley Braun at 303-406-4288 if you are interested in enrolling in any of the above studies.
Connect On Facebook
The
HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the
hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research,
and education.
HCV Advocate News & Pipeline Blog
Click Here
HCV Advocate News & Pipeline Blog
Click Here
HCV Advocate Newsletter
May 2014
May 2014
In This Issue:
NEJM and EASL 2014Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Snapshots
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
HEALTHWISE: Hepatitis C: Ways to Fight Back
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Jacques Chambers, CLU, Benefits Consultant
Posted April 16, 2014
Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both
available to persons under age 65 who are disabled.
But what is Disabled? Do I have
to be homebound? Bed confined? Dying? Social Security has its own
definition of disability and an applicant must meet that definition in
order to be considered disabled.
Read more here.......HBV Journal Review: May 1, 2014, Vol 11, no 5, by Christine Kukka
In this month's column
Chris reviews the following studies that will help you understand the
complexities of hepatitis B, including interferon and HBV treatment,
Vitamin E, and even an article about a TOAD:
-
Adding Interferon to Ongoing Antiviral Treatment Is Highly Successful
-
Vitamin E Helps HBV-Infected Children Lose HBeAg, Reducing Liver Damage
-
Common Chinese Toad May Hold the Key to Preventing and Treating Liver Cancer
-
Even at Top Hospitals, Doctors Fail to Treat Hepatitis B Patients Properly
-
Study Finds Doctors More Likely to Treat Hepatitis B in Men Than Women
-
Study Confirms Doctors Frequently Fail to Screen and Vaccinate Those at Risk
-
Antiviral Treatment Dramatically Improves Liver Cancer Test Accuracy
-
$50 Cash Incentive Increases HBV Immunization 12-Fold
-
Hepatitis B and C Cause Ten-Times More Deaths Than HIV in Europe
Stay informed on the latest news...click here to register for email alerts
Connect With HCV Advocate
NHS will pay for 500 people to receive Sofosbuvir, which could cure them, without waiting for guidance from NICE
The
HCV Action network brings together health professionals from across the
patient pathway, including GPs, specialist nurses, clinicians, drug
action teams, public health practitioners, prison healthcare staff and
commissioners. We provide resources for commissioners, medical and
drug services professionals, promoting good practice in HCV care across
the UK. Welcome to the new HCV Action website, the home of the UK’s hepatitis C professional community. Browse our tailored resource libraries, view our case study map or find out more information here>
HCV Action Update:
HCV Action e-update: Launch of Quality in Care (QiC) Hepatitis C Awards Programme
NHSE funds early access to Sofosbuvir for severely ill hepatitis C patients
NHS England(NHSE) has confirmed that it will provide fast track funding of the new drug Sofosbuvir for severely ill patients with hepatitis C.Those with hepatitis C who are at significant risk of death or irreversible damage within the next 12 months, irrespective of genotype, will now be eligible for treatment with Sofosbuvir. As indicated in NHSE’s Interim Clinical Commissioning Policy Statement, the scheme will result in the treatment of 500 patients who fulfill these criteria.
As reported by Channel4 News and the Guardian, NHSE’s announcement follows warnings from The Hepatitis C Trust that lives would be lost if a decision was not reached urgently by NHSE after it received the application in January.
Follow Us On Twitter
.
Hepatitis C news, is an online community for those living with hepatitis C. Join us for news, views and features about hep C, read the real-life experiences of our guest bloggers, and learn about living well with the condition.
New In May @ Hepatitis C News
Tribute to Larry Gibson (1944-2014)
Hepatitis C News community role model, published writer and all-round wonderful person Larry Gibson recently lost his battle against hepatitis C.
Published @ HCV New Drugs:
In Memory Of Larry Gibson - HIV Advocate and Humanitarian
I never had the pleasure of meeting Larry, but we worked together on a story about his life growing up in Oklahoma. I thought it might be fitting to share his story with you all today, written mostly in his own words....
Five tips for a healthy May
May 1st, 2014 As we reach the middle point in the year, it’s a good time to think about some simple steps that can be taken for a happier and healthier you.
View all News Videos, here
Stay connected
Through the TRIO Headquarters and a network of chapters, TRIO serves its members in the areas of: Awareness, Support, Education, and Advocacy. This TRIO web site is filled with information about these areas and our many programs, including local chapter contact information, so wander around these pages to learn more about TRIO or contact your local TRIO chapter. If you still don't find answers to what you are looking for, please email us at info@trioweb.org or call 1-800-TRIO-386.
THERE'S a better way to deal with rejection. People who have received a
donor organ need to take a host of toxic drugs to stop their immune
system attacking it. Soon they might just have their immune system
rebooted – making it accept the new organ.
What You Need To Know About Organ Donation (Katie Couric video)
April is "National Donate Life Month" and countless lives could be saved each year if more people become organ donors. Find out what you need to know about organ donation.
More news....
Newsletter Archives
Check Us Out On Twitter and Facebook
HepatitisWA
Perth, Australia
HepatitisWA (Inc) is a non-profit community-based organisation providing free services to the community. HepatitisWA aims to assist in obtaining the best possible care and support for people affected by hepatitis, reducing discrimination and stigma directed at people living with viral hepatitis and raising community awareness in relation to hepatitis. Visit our website to learn more about viral hepatitis.
The HepatitisWA Newsletter is a quarterly publication; with each edition we endeavour to capture new developments in hepatitis B and C treatment, management and other relevant topics.
VIEW THE LATEST NEWSLETTER - March
This issue we cover the following:• Blood Brothers - Personal Perspective
• Going Viral - Viral Hepatitis News
• Talking hepatitis B - Feature
• Famous People with hepatitis C - Feature
• Hepatitis C and Your Mental Health - Health & Lifestyle
• Age Shall Not Weary the Gallery - Community News
• Hepatidings: HepatitisWA Community Activities - Community News
• WASUA's Domain: The Latest In Body Modifications: Using Steroids
Of Interest
Marc Siegel, MD
May 01, 2014
Antidote
Antidote: Sovaldi's success story
Every now and then a new drug comes out that dramatically changes the trajectory of a killer disease. Such a drug is Sovaldi, the new kid on the block for Hepatitis C. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is taking a deserved victory lap.
May 01, 2014
Antidote Antidote: Sovaldi's success story
Every now and then a new drug comes out that dramatically changes the trajectory of a killer disease. Such a drug is Sovaldi, the new kid on the block for Hepatitis C. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is taking a deserved victory lap.
The key to controlling, if not curing, viruses is to prevent their spread from cell to cell. Hepatitis C is no exception. In the US close to 4 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C, and it is a major cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Close to one third of patients go on to develop cirrhosis.
Older treatment regimens include oral ribavirin and injected interferon, which are given over a period of 6 months to a year and are difficult to tolerate because they cause flu-like symptoms and depression.
In contrast, the newer oral treatments, including Sovaldi, which work by blocking the virus's replication, are much better tolerated and achieve a cure (virus no longer detected) in over 90% of cases in just 3 months of treatment. Sovaldi and drugs like it are now revolutionizing the treatment for Hepatitis C and changing the course of the disease.
This is especially exciting when you consider that millions may have Hepatitis C and not know it. The assay for identifying this virus didn't become available until the early 1990s, and before that many acquired the virus via blood transfusion, drug use, or via sex. At a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the screening of all baby boomers for Hepatitis C, it is good to know that the treatments are available to wipe it out if you have it, before you develop liver failure or cancer. I have treated several patients for chronic Hep C, some of whom would no doubt be alive today if these treatments existed several years ago.
Hepatitis C is an invisible killer, but it hasn't received the media attention that it deserves. Now that effective treatments are available, we owe it to patients in the US and around the world (at least 130 million cases) to give this dreaded virus the media attention it deserves.
From the May 2014 Issue of MMM »
Healthy You
A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
In This Issue
May Features
May Features
Veterinarians and scientists study diseases that affect both pets and
people to improve medical care for humans and our 4-legged friends.
Read more about comparative studies of pets.
Read more about comparative studies of pets.
Tick Talk - Block Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
Tick-borne diseases are found in many areas across the country, and they’re on the rise. Do what you can to keep ticks from taking a bite out of you.
Read more about tick-borne diseases.
Health Capsules
- Exercise Brings Bone Benefits that Last
- Paralyzed Men Regain Movement
- Featured Website: Mental Health Topics
Find Us On Facebook
ACP Internist provides news and information for internists about the practice of medicine and reports on the policies, products and activities of ACP
Current Issue - May Issue
Portable ultrasound scopes out a new role
Enthusiasts argue that point-of-care ultrasonography extends the scope of the physical exam far beyond what can be auscultated through a stethoscope. Detractors worry about overdiagnosis and a loss of medical skills that have intrinsic value. Both sides seek balance when considering how to use this new technology.
More
Treat the epidemic of medical nonadherenceMultiple diseases and multiple medications can lead to some patients not following their medical regimens. Experts are examining why in an effort to help improve nonadherence rates that can reach 50% by some estimates.
More
Follow ACP On Twitter
HCV Hot Topics
DDW Conference
Digestive Disease Week
May 3 to May 6
Chicago, IL.
View DDW Updates On This Blog
Search DDW Abstracts
Quick View.....
1-Click on "MyDDW"
2-Click on "Search Scientific Sessions"
3-By Category...Click on "Hepatitis C"
DDW Website
DDW Blog
In The News
Drinking, Even Casual Amounts, Poses Much Greater Risk for Advanced Liver Disease in HIV/Hepatitis C Patients
Newswise — PHILADELPHIA—Consumption of alcohol has long been associated with an increased risk of advanced liver fibrosis, but a new study published online in Clinical Infectious Diseases from researchers at Penn Medicine and other institutions shows that association is drastically heightened in people co-infected with both HIV and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Even light (“nonhazardous”) drinking—which typically poses a relatively low risk for uninfected persons—was linked to an increased risk of liver fibrosis in the co-infected group.
Breaking the Silence on Viral Hepatitis - opinion
Until recently, the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis has eluded a unified national public health strategy for controlling morbidity and mortality. Consequently, untreated chronic viral hepatitis affects between 3.5 and 5.3 million Americans and continues to fuel rising incidences of progressive liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer
Vertex ends hepatitis C investment as sales fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which reported more than $1 billion in sales of its hepatitis C drug Incivek in 2012, said Thursday it won't invest any more money on research and development of new treatments for the disease.
Vertex said it will license an experimental hepatitis C drug called VX-135 to Alios BioPharma. Revenue from Incivek dropped almost 90 percent in the first quarter as the drug was supplanted by newer treatments and Vertex sold its overseas marketing rights.
In April Gilead Sciences Inc. said sales of its hepatitis C drug Sovaldi totaled $2.27 billion in its first full quarter on the market. Sovaldi got U.S. approval in December and European Union approval in January.
Vertex wrote down the entire value of one experimental treatment for hepatitis C during the fourth quarter and it took an impairment charge related to another. The company also cut about 370 jobs in response to competition from other hepatitis C treatments...
Expensive hepatitis C drug presents Medicaid payment quandary for SC
The situation has Medicaid plans and insurers nationwide groping for the right balance. Colorado’s Medicaid agency announced in February that it would not approve new Sovaldi requests until it does more review of the drug’s impact. California, Florida, Louisiana and Michigan announced they would consider approving the drug on a case-by-case basis.
With Drug Costs Rising, Is A Million-Dollar Drug Far Off?
DDW Website
DDW Blog
In The News
Drinking, Even Casual Amounts, Poses Much Greater Risk for Advanced Liver Disease in HIV/Hepatitis C Patients
Newswise — PHILADELPHIA—Consumption of alcohol has long been associated with an increased risk of advanced liver fibrosis, but a new study published online in Clinical Infectious Diseases from researchers at Penn Medicine and other institutions shows that association is drastically heightened in people co-infected with both HIV and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Even light (“nonhazardous”) drinking—which typically poses a relatively low risk for uninfected persons—was linked to an increased risk of liver fibrosis in the co-infected group.
Breaking the Silence on Viral Hepatitis - opinion
Until recently, the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis has eluded a unified national public health strategy for controlling morbidity and mortality. Consequently, untreated chronic viral hepatitis affects between 3.5 and 5.3 million Americans and continues to fuel rising incidences of progressive liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer
Vertex ends hepatitis C investment as sales fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which reported more than $1 billion in sales of its hepatitis C drug Incivek in 2012, said Thursday it won't invest any more money on research and development of new treatments for the disease.
Vertex said it will license an experimental hepatitis C drug called VX-135 to Alios BioPharma. Revenue from Incivek dropped almost 90 percent in the first quarter as the drug was supplanted by newer treatments and Vertex sold its overseas marketing rights.
In April Gilead Sciences Inc. said sales of its hepatitis C drug Sovaldi totaled $2.27 billion in its first full quarter on the market. Sovaldi got U.S. approval in December and European Union approval in January.
Vertex wrote down the entire value of one experimental treatment for hepatitis C during the fourth quarter and it took an impairment charge related to another. The company also cut about 370 jobs in response to competition from other hepatitis C treatments...
Expensive hepatitis C drug presents Medicaid payment quandary for SC
The situation has Medicaid plans and insurers nationwide groping for the right balance. Colorado’s Medicaid agency announced in February that it would not approve new Sovaldi requests until it does more review of the drug’s impact. California, Florida, Louisiana and Michigan announced they would consider approving the drug on a case-by-case basis.
With Drug Costs Rising, Is A Million-Dollar Drug Far Off?
Now the other argument they make is that these drugs are priced on the value, that if you can cure a disease, like in the case of this new Hepatitis C treatment, where they can essentially cure Hepatitis C, well, that's a lot cheaper, even at $1,000 a pill, than the alternative of getting a liver transplant. So they say, well, you know, these high prices are better than sort of the dire consequences of not having these treatments at all. That is essentially the argument that they're making.
New treatment regimens for cirrhotic, HCV patients highlighted
LONDON — Alessio Aghemo, MD, PhD, EASL governing board member, presented research from multiple studies on new treatment regimens for cirrhotic and hepatitis C virus-infected patients at the International Liver Congress.
Aghemo, director of the hepatology outpatient clinic and professor at the post-graduate school of gastroenterology at the University of Milan, Italy, explained how the new regimens presented in the studies will benefit patients.
“We have incredible, incredible treatment options for patients with genotype 1 cirrhosis and even slightly decompensated [liver] disease, that can reach 90% efficacy rate with both combinations from AbbVie and Gilead,” Aghemo told Healio.com. “Overall, I would say the incredible data from the ILC 2014 make the future bright for almost all of our patients.”
Impact of SVR on Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis and Fibrosis
EASL - Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) incidence in Chronic Hepatitis C patients (CHC) according to Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) and baseline characteristics
This study found as other previous studies have found, a key factor in developing HCC despite achieving SVR is the stage of disease a patient has when treatment is started. If a patient already has cirrhosis when starting treatment even if SVR is achieved there remains a risk of still developing HCC -- in this study, if a patient had F4 fibrosis stage the rate of developing HCC was 7.7% among those who achieved SVR, & 2.4% if the patient's fibrosis stage was F3, but 0% if the fibrosis stage was earlier F(0-2). Even if achieving SVR if a patient already had cirrhosis when treatment was started it is recommended that for the remainder of their life every 6 months they should be evaluated for HCC, an MRI is recommended every 6 months...
Impact Of SVR On Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
With improved therapies and better awareness in place the virus is getting treated and not a moment too soon. As research continues to demonstrate achieving SVR can prevent liver cancer and improve or even reverse serious disease complications such as fibrosis, and cirrhosis. As seen in recent literature published in the Journal of Hepatology and Liver International investigating the effect of SVR (synonymous with virological cure) on disease progression.
AbbVie, Enanta’s collaboration partner for ABT-450, has submitted (NDA) to the FDA for interferon-free regimen
AbbVie has submitted an FDA application for its promising all-oral hepatitis C treatment, expecting approval this year
Watch: The discovery of HCV and why drugs like Gilead’s Sovaldi are the center of an economic debate
Thirty years ago patients who received a blood transfusion had a 30% chance of contracting hepatitis infection, in this video Dr. Harvey Alter, whose research led to the discovery of hepatitis C will discuss his work and the history of HCV.
We also examine how Chiron’s secret six-year effort led to the tests that virtually eliminated the virus from the blood supply, why drugs like Gilead’s Sovaldi are the center of an economic debate on the treatment of HCV, and envision a world in which HCV has been eradicated.
And we talk with Dr. Steven Pearson , who led a health technology assessment of Sovaldi.
May 2
New hepatitis C drugs’ price prompts an ethical debate: Who deserves to get them?
The issues are especially contentious because the drugs, Sovaldi by Gilead Sciences and Olysio by Janssen Therapeutics, are an advance in treatment and offer a cure for many people; they are not just medicines that ease symptoms or extend life.
“The more definitive the cure, the closer we are to asking, ‘What’s the value of a human life?’ ” said Tony Keck, director of Medicaid in South Carolina, where the treatments are covered case by case.
This is not an isolated predicament. Specialty drugs account for less than 1 percent of all prescriptions but more than a quarter of spending. Other high-cost specialty medicines in the pipeline include treatments for high cholesterol and diabetes, which affect tens of millions of people......
Sofosbuvir: Indication of added benefit for specific patients
Today the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) released its assessment of new hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir, FDA approved in the U.S.
According to the German panel the benefit of sofosbuvir in respect to prevention of liver cancer was determined to be unclear;
CAIRO - New drug for hepatitis C ‘Sovaldi’ to be available by July
The Ministry of Health and the company have officially signed an agreement to provide the new drug for a price 99 percent cheaper than the price on the international market, Essmat added.
Hepatitis C-Achillion Begins Dosing In ACH-3422/ Initiated Phase 2 ACH-3102/Sofosbuvir trial
Dosing Initiated in Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Antiviral Activity of ACH-3422, NS5B Uridine-Analog Nucleotide Prodrug
Initiated Phase 2 Study Evaluating ACH-3102, Second-Generation NS5A Inhibitor, With Sofosbuvir for 8 Weeks of Treatment or Less in Genotype 1 HCV Treatment-Naïve Patients
Updated Hepatitis C Trials- U.S. Recruiting: AbbVie ABT-493/ABT-530 Adults Genotype 1
The hepatitis C clinical trials on this page are not a complete list; to learn more about HCV trials or to find out if a study is enrolling patients in your area, please click here. View additional hepatitis trials updated in the last 30 days @ ClinicalTrials.gov
Take the time to learn more about HCV agents currently in clinical trials by reviewing new research presented this month at the International Liver Congress 2014. Link to editorials, expert analysis, and slide presentations evaluating efficacy and safety of hepatitis C investigational interferon-free combinations with and without ribavirin is avaliable here.
Click here to view trial updates.
Can-Fite Submits Protocol to U.S. FDA for Phase II Liver Cancer Study
The planned Phase II study will be conducted in Israel, Europe and the U.S. with 78 subjects who will be dosed with CF102 as a second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis. The study will investigate the efficacy and safety of CF102 as compared to placebo.
New treatment regimens for cirrhotic, HCV patients highlighted
LONDON — Alessio Aghemo, MD, PhD, EASL governing board member, presented research from multiple studies on new treatment regimens for cirrhotic and hepatitis C virus-infected patients at the International Liver Congress.
Aghemo, director of the hepatology outpatient clinic and professor at the post-graduate school of gastroenterology at the University of Milan, Italy, explained how the new regimens presented in the studies will benefit patients.
“We have incredible, incredible treatment options for patients with genotype 1 cirrhosis and even slightly decompensated [liver] disease, that can reach 90% efficacy rate with both combinations from AbbVie and Gilead,” Aghemo told Healio.com. “Overall, I would say the incredible data from the ILC 2014 make the future bright for almost all of our patients.”
Impact of SVR on Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis and Fibrosis
EASL - Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) incidence in Chronic Hepatitis C patients (CHC) according to Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) and baseline characteristics
This study found as other previous studies have found, a key factor in developing HCC despite achieving SVR is the stage of disease a patient has when treatment is started. If a patient already has cirrhosis when starting treatment even if SVR is achieved there remains a risk of still developing HCC -- in this study, if a patient had F4 fibrosis stage the rate of developing HCC was 7.7% among those who achieved SVR, & 2.4% if the patient's fibrosis stage was F3, but 0% if the fibrosis stage was earlier F(0-2). Even if achieving SVR if a patient already had cirrhosis when treatment was started it is recommended that for the remainder of their life every 6 months they should be evaluated for HCC, an MRI is recommended every 6 months...
Impact Of SVR On Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
With improved therapies and better awareness in place the virus is getting treated and not a moment too soon. As research continues to demonstrate achieving SVR can prevent liver cancer and improve or even reverse serious disease complications such as fibrosis, and cirrhosis. As seen in recent literature published in the Journal of Hepatology and Liver International investigating the effect of SVR (synonymous with virological cure) on disease progression.
AbbVie, Enanta’s collaboration partner for ABT-450, has submitted (NDA) to the FDA for interferon-free regimen
AbbVie has submitted an FDA application for its promising all-oral hepatitis C treatment, expecting approval this year
Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir)
Watch: The discovery of HCV and why drugs like Gilead’s Sovaldi are the center of an economic debate
Thirty years ago patients who received a blood transfusion had a 30% chance of contracting hepatitis infection, in this video Dr. Harvey Alter, whose research led to the discovery of hepatitis C will discuss his work and the history of HCV.
We also examine how Chiron’s secret six-year effort led to the tests that virtually eliminated the virus from the blood supply, why drugs like Gilead’s Sovaldi are the center of an economic debate on the treatment of HCV, and envision a world in which HCV has been eradicated.
And we talk with Dr. Steven Pearson , who led a health technology assessment of Sovaldi.
Sovaldi Controversy
May 2
New hepatitis C drugs’ price prompts an ethical debate: Who deserves to get them?
The issues are especially contentious because the drugs, Sovaldi by Gilead Sciences and Olysio by Janssen Therapeutics, are an advance in treatment and offer a cure for many people; they are not just medicines that ease symptoms or extend life.
“The more definitive the cure, the closer we are to asking, ‘What’s the value of a human life?’ ” said Tony Keck, director of Medicaid in South Carolina, where the treatments are covered case by case.
This is not an isolated predicament. Specialty drugs account for less than 1 percent of all prescriptions but more than a quarter of spending. Other high-cost specialty medicines in the pipeline include treatments for high cholesterol and diabetes, which affect tens of millions of people......
Sofosbuvir: Indication of added benefit for specific patients
Today the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) released its assessment of new hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir, FDA approved in the U.S.
According to the German panel the benefit of sofosbuvir in respect to prevention of liver cancer was determined to be unclear;
"SVR is not itself a patient-relevant outcome and cannot be equated with "cure", and there are no studies in which SVR is validated as a surrogate outcome in accordance with the usual criteria employed by IQWiG. Nevertheless, the Institute accepts SVR here as a surrogate for the reduced incidence of liver cancer."
“It is currently accepted that patients with no detectable hepatitis C virus in the blood are at lower risk of liver cancer,” IQWiG added “However, it is unclear how many cases of liver cancer can in fact be prevented by sofosbuvir,”
For the outcome "secondary diseases", IQWiG therefore recognizes an indication of a benefit for sofosbuvir.View the report here...
CAIRO - New drug for hepatitis C ‘Sovaldi’ to be available by July
The Ministry of Health and the company have officially signed an agreement to provide the new drug for a price 99 percent cheaper than the price on the international market, Essmat added.
Clinical Trials
Dosing Initiated in Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Antiviral Activity of ACH-3422, NS5B Uridine-Analog Nucleotide Prodrug
Initiated Phase 2 Study Evaluating ACH-3102, Second-Generation NS5A Inhibitor, With Sofosbuvir for 8 Weeks of Treatment or Less in Genotype 1 HCV Treatment-Naïve Patients
Updated Hepatitis C Trials- U.S. Recruiting: AbbVie ABT-493/ABT-530 Adults Genotype 1
The hepatitis C clinical trials on this page are not a complete list; to learn more about HCV trials or to find out if a study is enrolling patients in your area, please click here. View additional hepatitis trials updated in the last 30 days @ ClinicalTrials.gov
Take the time to learn more about HCV agents currently in clinical trials by reviewing new research presented this month at the International Liver Congress 2014. Link to editorials, expert analysis, and slide presentations evaluating efficacy and safety of hepatitis C investigational interferon-free combinations with and without ribavirin is avaliable here.
Click here to view trial updates.
Can-Fite Submits Protocol to U.S. FDA for Phase II Liver Cancer Study
The planned Phase II study will be conducted in Israel, Europe and the U.S. with 78 subjects who will be dosed with CF102 as a second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis. The study will investigate the efficacy and safety of CF102 as compared to placebo.
Research and Education - Knowledge Is Power!
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Hep C Warrior Free Gift for You
Hep C Warriors are special and we are celebrating YOU here at Life Beyond Hepatitis C.com. We are giving away a FREE gift to each Hep C Warrior who comments on the blog this week. Why? Because you’re special. God tells us in Deuteronomy 30:11, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult....
2014 Latest Antiviral Agents for HCV and HBV
The discovery could change the way scientists develop therapeutics, as
it provides a new target for future drugs. In laboratory experiments,
Zhang and her colleagues were able to restore Nrf2 levels in cirrhotic
liver tissue by inactivating Hrd1, effectively reversing liver cirrhosis
in mice.
Projects in Knowledge launched a couple new learning activities which provide a look at two different hepatitis C patients, each case study is followed by Paul Y. Kwo, MD.
ViralEd released an
1.5-hour Internet symposium discussing key data presented at the 49th
Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver
(49th EASL) which took place this month in London, England.
In this issue, you will read an in-depth cover story with expert opinion
on the controversial costs of care surrounding implementation of the
new approved direct-acting antiviral therapies. The feature article
explores the debate between risk-based and universal HCV screening
recommendations for baby boomers. HCV Next Editorial Board member Catherine T. Frenette, MD,
and colleagues present an interesting Case Challenge about a patient
with unique adverse events after receiving interferon therapy; Douglas T. Dieterich, MD, answers 5 questions about his life in and out of the office; and three HCV Next Editorial Board members provide their take on the most interesting news from CROI 2014.
The association between chronic hepatitis C and fibromyalgia still remains controversial, but we know that a high prevalence of fibromyalgia has been found in patients infected with hepatitis C, especially women.
Bloggers Corner
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
New Hepatitis C Drugs Rolling Out Faster than Ever
April 29, 2014
Interferon-free Hepatitis C Treatment for those Who Cannot Wait
April 29, 2014
I have been working in the hepatitis C field since
1997, and never have seen such an explosion of new drugs. At the end of 2013,
the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved two new drugs to treat
hepatitis C: Olysio (simeprevir) and Sovaldi (sofosbuvir). Solvadi's approval
was especially exciting because it was the first all-oral treatment for
hepatitis C. The FDA approved the all oral application for genotypes 2 and 3, but
technically Sovaldi may be prescribed off-label
without the use of interferon. Some physicians are using Olysio (simeprevir) and Sovaldi
(sofosbuvir) together for patients with advanced liver disease, a combination that
is turning out to be quite successful most of the time...
Interferon-free Hepatitis C Treatment for those Who Cannot Wait
April 22, 2014
Hepatitis C treatment is radically changing. Recently
approved hepatitis C drugs along with those in the drug development pipeline,
are dominating viral hepatitis news. In October 2014, a combination pill of
sofosbuvir and ledipasvir is expected to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for hepatitis C genotype 1 patients. Translated, this combination drug
formulated as a single pill is capable of curing 93-100% of most hepatitis C cases
without interferon or ribavirin. It does this in a mere 8 to 12 weeks, and with
mild side effects. Hep C Warrior Free Gift for You
Hep C Warriors are special and we are celebrating YOU here at Life Beyond Hepatitis C.com. We are giving away a FREE gift to each Hep C Warrior who comments on the blog this week. Why? Because you’re special. God tells us in Deuteronomy 30:11, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult....
Managing Stress with Meditation for Cirrhosis and Hepatitis C
Stay safe and healthy, until next time.
Always Tina
It is hard
to think clearly when our minds are overcome over by health problems,
the Hepatitis C treatment, cirrhosis, and everyday life. Since I live with end stage cirrhosis, it continues to be a problem for me. Brain Fog and Hepatic Encephalopathy loom over me and sabotage my peace of mind. I have tried many tools throughout the years, and have had to use trial and error to see what works best for me. I want to share some of my ideas with you about managing stress with meditation for Cirrhosis and Hepatitis C.
Always Tina
Thanks, link now works - New Hepatitis C Therapies: The Toolbox, Strategies, and Challenges
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